A POPULAR scheme which transforms out of use bikes into great Christmas presents for kids is returning to Middlesbrough.

The scheme, at the Cycle Centre in Middlesbrough Bus Station, was hugely successful last year.

The centre receives many donated bikes which, as part of the centre’s Cycle Recycle programme, are restored by teenagers and adults who get to keep the bikes and gain a qualification in the process.

However, it receives a number of children’s bikes which if not repaired could simply go to waste.

Mike O’Reilly, Cycle Centre co-ordinator, came up with the idea of asking Middlesbrough people to repair the bikes which they could then keep and give to children in their family as Christmas presents.

This year there are 25 bikes, suitable for kids aged three to 10, in good condition and ready for repair by 25 participants. Anyone who takes part will receive all the parts and the bike free of charge and will gain a Level 1 OCN qualification in Cycle Maintenance.

Mike, who works for Middlesbrough Environment City, said: “Anyone who has a child relative and wants to learn cycle maintenance should get in touch quickly because spaces fill up very fast.”

One-day sessions take place on Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm on December 1, 8 and 15.